New Look has announced significant progress in its sustainability strategy initiated in 2022, reducing its carbon and water footprints substantially.
- The retailer achieved a 22% reduction in direct and indirect emissions in scopes 1 and 2 since 2022, aligning with the 1.5°C pathway.
- Carbon emissions were reduced by 12% overall, with significant progress across scope 3 emissions, achieving an 11% reduction.
- New Look’s focus extends beyond environmental efforts to social responsibility, establishing partnerships and initiatives to boost community and worker welfare.
- Looking forward, New Look remains committed to enhancing sustainability and social responsibility, setting an exemplary standard in the fashion industry.
New Look has provided an update on its sustainability strategy launched in 2022, showcasing substantial progress in reducing carbon and water footprints. The Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTI) has approved the retailer’s emission targets, which are aligned with the critical 1.5°C pathway intended to mitigate global temperature rise by 2050.
Since 2022, New Look has successfully reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 22% in scope 1 and scope 2, marking significant progress towards exceeding its short-term goals. Overall, the company has cut its carbon emissions by 12% during the same timeframe.
The retailer’s achievements in scope 3 emissions are also commendable, with an 11% reduction recorded since 2022, keeping it on track with its near-term objectives. Compared with 2019, New Look has managed to slash its carbon footprint by 48% and water footprint by 47%.
In its pursuit of sustainability, New Look aims to increase the traceable and recycled content in its materials. The company plans to escalate the minimum recycled content in synthetics to 30%.
On the social responsibility front, New Look has confirmed partnerships with Neighbourly, targeting local charity support, and Industrial Global Union, reinforcing its commitment to fair wages for Cambodian workers.
The company’s efforts are underpinned by four main pillars: responsible business practices, responsible product development, fostering an inclusive culture, and positive community impact. Collaborating with The International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), New Look addresses gender-based violence, harassment, and modern slavery within its value chain. Moreover, a human rights manager has been appointed to advance these initiatives.
Promoting responsible and circular product development, New Look reports that 77% of its clothing now features reduced-impact attributes. The retailer collaborates with Leeds Institute of Textile and Colour in projects aimed at extending product lifespan. New Look’s involvement in initiatives like contributing to a White Paper at the UKFT Sustainability Conference 2024 underlines its commitment.
New Look has also championed an inclusive culture by creating allies for inclusion and well-being among over 150 employees. This focus extends to the community, where the dedication of New Look’s workers and consumers is evident in their donation of over £350,000 to charities in the previous year.
Sue Fairley, head of sustainability at New Look, highlighted the importance of these achievements, stating: ‘The approval of our Science-Based Targets was a huge milestone for our business, and we are well on track to meet our targets. Looking ahead to 2025, we will continue to drive forward our strategy and work with our partners to ensure we are operating in the most sustainable – and ‘kind’ – way possible.’
New Look’s sustained commitment to sustainability and social responsibility sets a benchmark in the fashion industry.
